2024 Full Conference Agenda

The terms “renewable,” “biodegradable,” and “biobased” are distinct concepts, each representing different aspects of sustainability and environmental impact. While there can be overlap, understanding these distinctions is crucial for assessing the environmental impact and sustainability of various products and processes. Depending on the application it might make more sense to opt for one technology over the other. This session investigates the true impact of the different technologies.
Join to find out:  

• The true meaning of renewable, biodegradable, and biobased additives and lubricants: what are their differences, how are they defined and how it is measured? 
• Understanding the demand from the sector and investigating barriers of implementation 
• Why does industry need to do this? What are the incentives and who are the innovators? 
• What are the characteristics of biobased oil, product availability and technical specifications? 
• What is required to formulate with biobased oils, is there a different approach?  

Lubrication testing in electric vehicle (EV) applications faces distinctive challenges due to the unconventional nature of EV drivetrains. Traditional testing methodologies designed for internal combustion engines may not fully capture the dynamics of electric motors and their associated components. As EV technologies continue to advance, the challenge lies in developing testing standards that accurately simulate real-world conditions, ensuring that lubricants meet the specific demands of electric propulsion systems. This dynamic landscape requires ongoing collaboration between lubricant manufacturers, automotive engineers, and testing organizations to establish comprehensive and standardized protocols for evaluating lubricant effectiveness and durability in the rapidly evolving realm of electric vehicles. Join this session to find out: 

• What’s new for EV specific development?  
• Where does the industry need to continue to develop for the future? 
• How to test and compare lubricants performance for EV applications? 
• Deep dive into copper corrosion in EVs, electrical lubricant testing and performance analysis of engine oils for electric vehicles 

Synthetic esters are a crucial component in advanced lubricant formulations, valued for their exceptional performance characteristics. Derived through chemical synthesis, these esters offer superior thermal stability, biodegradability, and lubricity compared to conventional mineral oils. The synthetic process allows for precise control over molecular structure, tailoring properties to meet specific lubrication demands across various industries. This session offers a deep dive into the latest R&D in the field of synthetic ester development. Join the experts to learn about: 

• Industry trends driving synthetic base oil innovation  
• Understanding features and benefits associated with using a secondary ester in a lubricant formulation 
• Contribution of synthetic esters to reducing carbon emissions in lubrication applications 

The aerospace sector is often at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of R&D and many of the applications developed by the European Space Agency and NASA eventually end up in terrestrial and industrial applications. Join this session to learn about two such applications. 

Steel manufacturing is undergoing significant transformations driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and market demands. One prominent trend is the shift towards greener production methods. Companies are increasingly adopting electric arc furnaces (EAFs) over traditional blast furnaces due to their lower carbon footprint. This transition has implications for the formulation of lubricants. Join this fireside chat to hear about global trends in steel industry and the impact of energy efficiency projects in steel industry on specialty lubricants.

By adhering to best practices in manufacturing, handling, and storage, companies can ensure the longevity and reliability of their lubricants, ultimately protecting machinery and reducing operational costs. This session looks at plant optimisation through the use of advanced technologies such as digital connectivity, IoT (Internet of Things) devices and data analytics as well as opportunities for cost, waste and emission reduction in lubricant manufacturing, storage and packaging. Join this panel to learn about: 

• Enhancing efficiency and performance of lubricant and grease manufacturing through advanced technologies 
• Planning lubricant storage and understanding storage requirements 
•  Optimising warehousing operations and packaging 

Next-generation metalworking fluids (MWF) are expected to excel in various aspects, including superior cooling capabilities, enhanced lubrication properties, and increased resistance to degradation. Additionally, environmental considerations drive the need for MWFs that are biodegradable and possess reduced environmental impact. The exploration of novel additives and technologies is crucial in achieving these performance requirements. As industries increasingly embrace precision manufacturing and advanced materials, understanding and meeting the evolving performance criteria of next-generation MWFs becomes paramount to ensure optimal efficiency, tool life, and environmental sustainability in metalworking processes.

Discussion points:

• How updates to health and safety regulations and the phase out of certain chemicals affect supply and development of metalworking fluids 

• Trends and challenges driving advances in metal processing technologies 

Recent advances in predictive maintenance and monitoring have revolutionized the field of lubrication, offering proactive solutions to enhance equipment reliability and performance. With the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, data analytics, and machine learning algorithms, industries can now monitor the condition of lubricants and machinery in real time. These technologies enable the continuous assessment of factors such as oil quality, viscosity, and wear particles, providing early detection of potential issues before they escalate. Predictive maintenance models can analyze historical data to predict equipment failures, optimize lubrication schedules, and extend the lifespan of components. Don’t miss the chance to hear about the latest methodologies for predictive maintenance and monitoring and put your questions to the panel of experts. Presentations include: 

• Inline condition monitoring for lubricants and cooling fluids 
• Measurement of lubricant aeration in real operating conditions 
• Enhancing machinery reliability with real-time oil condition monitoring 
• Using lubrication data create a successful reliability programme